Finally made it over to the fair last night, despite the lack of a car. The new barn is really quite attractive and if there are a few traffic problems, I think they will be sorted out over time. I really liked what Liz and Becky did with the decorations; very professional.

The kids did well in the show ring too, although they were disappointed by the big cows. Mandy only managed a third place and Cincinnatti came in second. Everyone thinks that Mandy was held back by her youthfulness and the fact that she is growing very fast and freshened way back in January. I believe she will mature to do much better. Old Dixie was that way. Nice enough as a young animal, but improving every year as she grew older. I wish I had a decent picture of her when she was 7 or 8. Ralph and I were going to get her pictured by a professional for Liz for Christmas but we didn't get it done and then she died. I took a lot of pics last night with a disposable camera in hopes of getting one or two worth the trouble.

The young stock really showed their mettle, with Junie winning Senior Yearling, Lemonade getting the blue in the Senior Calf class and Foolish coming in second Junior Heifer Calf against some impressive competition. I was quite proud of them. The kids also won the Get of Sire class with a get of Ocean-View Extra Special-ET, including Junie, Lemonade and Bubbles. Alan's pair, Bayberry and Bubbles were second in the Produce of Dam. Their mother, Balsam won Junior Heifer back in her show days at Altamont, so it was a case of the apple answering the pull of gravity there. Sedona, Bubbles, and Bayberry also won ribbons in their individual classes and the kids were second in Young Exhibitors Bred and Owned Herd.

Now I am ready for the fair to be over. The kids are tired and cranky and it is hard to get any work done with everybody either so pooped they can't find their shoes or over at the fairgrounds every day. Liz starts college Monday too. I can't imagine how she is going to manage that.